Anthony Calabro passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, just ten days shy of his 97th birthday. Tony is survived by his loving wife Grace, daughter Donna Marie Jacobs, sons Anthony Frank Calabro (Sarah), and Stephen Harry Calabro (Jody), grandchildren Sara, Anthony, Cara, and Nicholas, and great granddaughter Kennedy Ann.
Tony was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of five siblings and was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. He moved his family to Massapequa, Long Island, New York in 1954. After a successful 43-year career in the textile industry, Tony and Grace retired to Longwood, Florida in 1986.
Tony was a devoted New York Giants, Mets, and Rangers fan. He attended many Giants football games as a season ticket holder. His love of boating and fishing transcended his never learning to swim. Tony was an avid golfer. He and Grace bowled and play bocce together for many years. They even participated in the Senior Olympics for bocce and won a gold medal.
Tony truly enjoyed hosting family and friends at his home. For many years, Tony and Grace were members of the Orlando Italian American Club and cherished those times and the friendships they had there. They were fortunate to travel to many places within the United States and outside its borders.
“Pops” passed along many Italian family traditions to his grandchildren including the Christmas Eve “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” Tony established an annual tradition of making rice balls and potato croquettes with his family.
Tony and Grace were fortunate to live the past nine years at Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary, Florida. Tony made some great friendships there, including those of many of his caregivers in the past few years. He was blessed to be cared for with compassion and love by the Oakmonte staff and the health care team from Tower Health.
Tony will be missed by all who knew him as a man of curiosity, faith, and a quiet love that spoke volumes.
A funeral Mass will take place on November 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Community 575 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, Florida.